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CPT®
26580

CPT® Code 26580

Official Description

Repair cleft hand

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Cleft hand is a congenital anomaly characterized by the absence of part or all of one or more fingers, resulting in a central V-shaped gap or cleft in the hand. This condition can vary significantly in severity, affecting the functionality of the hand. Surgical intervention is typically indicated when the cleft hand significantly impairs hand function. The surgical approach is tailored to the specific characteristics of the anomaly. The cleft hand repair procedure involves the meticulous rearrangement of skin and soft tissue to effectively close the cleft gap. Additionally, the procedure may include stabilization or transfer of bones, as well as correction of any associated deformities of the fingers or thumb. A commonly utilized technique in this repair is the Snow procedure, which focuses on deepening the space between the thumb and index finger. In this technique, skin from the cleft area is carefully transposed while preserving its blood supply to cover the gap between the thumb and index finger, followed by a layered closure of the cleft.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The surgical repair of a cleft hand is indicated in cases where the function of the hand is significantly impaired due to the congenital anomaly. The following conditions may warrant the procedure:

  • Significant functional impairment The cleft hand condition leads to difficulties in performing daily activities or tasks that require hand dexterity.
  • Presence of deformities Associated deformities of the fingers or thumb that affect the overall appearance and functionality of the hand.
  • Cosmetic concerns Patients or guardians may seek surgical intervention for aesthetic reasons, particularly if the cleft hand is visibly noticeable.

2. Procedure

The cleft hand repair procedure involves several critical steps to ensure effective closure of the cleft and restoration of hand function. The following procedural steps are typically followed:

  • Assessment and Planning Prior to the surgical intervention, a thorough assessment of the cleft hand is conducted. This includes evaluating the extent of the cleft, the presence of any associated deformities, and determining the most appropriate surgical technique based on the individual patient's needs.
  • Incision and Tissue Preparation An incision is made around the cleft area to access the underlying tissues. Care is taken to preserve the blood supply to the skin flaps that will be used for closure. The surrounding soft tissues are carefully mobilized to facilitate the closure of the cleft.
  • Bone Stabilization or Transfer If necessary, the bones of the fingers or thumb may be stabilized or transferred to improve alignment and function. This step is crucial in ensuring that the skeletal structure supports the newly arranged soft tissues.
  • Skin Transposition In the Snow procedure, skin from the cleft site is transposed to cover the gap between the thumb and index finger. This technique involves deepening the space between these two digits to enhance functionality and appearance.
  • Layered Closure Once the cleft is adequately covered, the incision is closed in layers. This layered closure technique helps to ensure proper healing and minimizes scarring.

3. Post-Procedure

After the cleft hand repair procedure, patients typically require post-operative care to ensure proper healing and recovery. This may include monitoring for any signs of infection, managing pain, and following specific rehabilitation protocols to restore hand function. Patients may be advised to avoid strenuous activities that could strain the surgical site during the initial recovery period. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess healing progress and to determine if any additional interventions are necessary for optimal function and appearance of the hand.
Short Descr REPAIR CLEFT HAND
Medium Descr REPAIR CLEFT HAND
Long Descr Repair cleft hand
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 090 - Major Surgery
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
ASC Payment Indicator Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P3D - Major procedure, orthopedic - other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 160 - Other therapeutic procedures on muscles and tendons
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
F5 Right hand, thumb
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
Date
Action
Notes
2025-01-01 Changed Short Description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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